THREE HOURS' FIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 21 April 1926, Page 1

THREE HOURS' FIGHT

FISHERMAN’ S AD.VENTURE. AUCKLAND, April 19. A thrilling experience befel Messrs Bromwich and Ellis, in Air Eric Sanderson’s launch, when fishing for big game near Stephenson Island, AVliimgnroa. Afr. Bromwich hooked a fine specimen of a kingfish, and in the fight that ensued had the misfortune to break bis rod. Such an accident would have ended many an .angler’s excursion, but a little ingenuity on Hie part of lii.s companion fixed the reel to the top half of the broken rod, and Mr. Ellis soon had the reward of his skill and patience in hooking a huge swordfish. which at once put up a great fight, and tore off in a northerly direction, with the power-launch following it up. and Air Ellis doing all ho couhl to hold it with tho damaged rod top. The fish soon made frantic efforts to bo rid of the hooks in his mouth, and managed to do so. only to find himself engaged bv them in his back in the region of the tail. Feeling the fish still in some "a.v secure, tho intrepid fishermen held on to their prey, and covered about ton sea miles before they were able to tire out the monster and come up with him —a fight that lasted from half-past three until nearly half past six. By this lime the swordfish was as exhausted as his captors, and was within a short distance of the boat, apparently tired out. when lie suddenly revived. and made a bold dart, with his pointer sword for the boat, to the great danger of all therein. Little short of a miracle caused the sword to glance off the sides instead of penetrating. or all would have been !••> To land a fish of 428U> on half a rod is a remarkably clever performance in any rase, but for the fish to unhook itself, and then foul itself so securely as to make capture possible, is still more remarkable. Tlie monster was weiglied by the Wlmnga.ron 'Angling Society’s official weigher.